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Several important refinance rates trailed off today. Both 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances saw their mean rates recede. In addition, the average rate on 10-year fixed refinance didn't fluctuate. Although refinance rates are always moving, they have been quite low recently. If you plan to refinance your home, now might be a great time to secure a good rate. But as always, make sure to first consider your personal goals and circumstances before getting a refinance, and shop around to find a lender who can best meet your needs.
30-year fixed refinance rates
For 30-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 3.09%, a decrease of 2 basis points over this time last week. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) Refinancing to a 30-year fixed loan from a shorter loan term can lower your monthly payments. If you're having difficulties making your monthly payments currently, a 30-year refinance could be a good option for you. However, interest rates for a 30-year refinance will typically be higher than rates for a 15-year or 10-year refinance. It'll also take you longer to pay off your loan.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
For 15-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 2.41%, a decrease of 2 basis point from what we saw the previous week. A 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan. However, you'll also be able to pay off your loan quicker, saving you money over the life of the loan. Interest rates for a 15-year refinance also tend to be lower than that of a 30-year refinance, so you'll save even more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
For 10-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 2.38%, unmoved compared to one week ago. Compared to a 30-year and 15-year refinance, a 10-year refinance will usually have a lower interest rate but higher monthly payment. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest. However, you should analyze your budget and current financial situation to make sure you'll be able to afford the higher monthly payment.
Where rates are headed
We track refinance rate trends using information collected by Bankrate, which is owned by CNET's parent company. Here's a table with the average refinance rates reported by lenders nationwide:
Average refinance interest rates | Product | Rate | Last week | Change |
| 30-year fixed refi | 3.09% | 3.11% | -0.02 |
| 15-year fixed refi | 2.41% | 2.43% | -0.02 |
| 10-year fixed refi | 2.38% | 2.38% | N/C |
Rates as of May 12, 2021.
How to find the best refinance rate
It's important to understand that the rates advertised online may not apply to you. Market conditions aren't the only factor in interest rates; your particular application and credit history will also play a large role.
Generally, you'll want a high credit score, low credit utilization ratio, and a history of making consistent and on-time payments in order to get the best interest rates. To get your personalized refinance rates, you'll need to speak with a mortgage professional, as the rates you qualify for may differ from the rates advertised online. You should also take into account any fees and closing costs that might offset the potential savings of a refinance.
You should also know that many lenders have had stricter requirements when it comes to approving loans in the past few months. As such, you may not qualify for a refinance -- or a low rate -- if you don't have a solid credit rating.
Before applying for a refinance, you should make your application as strong as possible in order to get the best rates available. If you haven't already, try to improve your credit by monitoring your credit reports, using credit responsibly, and managing your finances carefully. You should also shop around with multiple lenders and compare offers to make sure you're getting the best rate.
When to consider a mortgage refinance
In order for a refinance to make sense, you'll generally want to get a lower interest rate than your current rate. Aside from interest rates, changing your loan term is another reason to refinance. While interest rates have been low in the past few months, you should look at more than just the market interest rates when deciding if a refinance is right for you.
Make sure to consider your goals and financial situation, including how long you plan to stay in your current home. It's helpful to have a specific goal for a refinance -- such as decreasing your monthly payment or adjusting the term of your loan. Also keep in mind that closing costs and other fees may require an upfront investment.
Some lenders have tightened their requirements in recent months, so you may not be able to get a refinance at the posted interest rates - or even a refinance at all - if you don't meet their standards.Refinancing at a lower interest rate can save you money in the long run and help you pay off your loan sooner. But a careful cost-benefit analysis is necessary to confirm that doing so makes sense.